We live in a highly visual world and you can’t go anywhere without seeing graphic design. The way your brand is visually perceived by the public impacts your public perception and is a valuable business investment. If that’s the case, however, then why are graphic designers so often misunderstood? Here are the five most common graphic design myths.
You Don’t Need to Spend Money on Graphic Design
Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate a certain message and tell a story. In order to get this across successfully, there has to be a good relationship and trust built between designer and client.
The words “can you throw us an *insert content here* together?” leaves us with our head in our hands. While it may seem simple, it’s really not.
There’s a story about Pablo Picasso. There he was, eating his vegan sausage roll in his local popular baked goods chain, doodling away on a napkin. He didn’t like it, so he screwed it up and went to throw it away. A woman sat nearby asked if she could have it. He said sure, it’ll be 20 Francs. The woman asked why, as it only took him a few minutes to draw it.
He said it actually took him 50 years – the amount of time he’s been perfecting his craft.
You’re not just paying for the final product, you’re paying for the skill and expertise of a team. The attitude that we’re not worth what we charge undermines the talent of our team, which is why we work with clients who value us.
Graphic design influences the way your targeted audience responds to your brand. It is what differentiates you from the competition and you’ll want to work with an agency that knows what they’re doing if you want to separate your brand from the masses.
Unfortunately, paying £5 for a ‘logo’ won’t get you very far. In this industry, you really do get what you pay for.
Graphic Design is Just Making Something Look Pretty
This is one of our least favourite graphic design myths.
While it may be easy for you to come up with the concept, a designer’s professional experience is what makes the outcome a good one.
Between their academic training, knowledge of print production, typography, and their conceptual framework skills, graphic designers know how to visually communicate with your target audience.
Whether through posters, magazine spreads, album covers, infographics or brand presentations, designers have a broad spectrum of talents to skillfully improve your brand image.
A good graphic designer understands strategy, vision and design. As an agency we understand audience, industry, layout, and why your brand’s colours have been chosen. Every aspect of an image is there to serve a purpose and follows strict brand guidelines set by the designer.
Graphic Design Is Meant To Be Trendy
While trends can inspire design, relying on them will suffocate your brand image. The best designs are timeless. You should be able to build upon your design with time and watch it age gracefully.
Following the crowd with a trendy brand image might send a negative message about the individuality and the longevity of your company.
Don’t be like the countless fashion brands that have a swirly black font on a white background. Embrace your brand’s individuality and ethos, and work with a creative team to make it stand out!
Graphic Designers Know Everything
As talented as they are, unfortunately, they still haven’t mastered reading minds yet. That’s why it is important to clearly express your vision and expectations for the collaboration.
A successful design project should be where the designer is listening to a client’s needs and providing the best solutions possible.
Providing an in-depth brief and communication from both sides will ensure that the same vision is shared for the concept. This will save you paying extra for rounds of unnecessary amends!
Graphic Designers Hold Total Reign Over A Design
We’re sure that many of you fear that once you give the design control of your business over to someone else that you won’t see it until it’s too late, but that’s not the case.
Collaboration between you and the team you’re working with is key to creating a final result that everyone is confident in. However, we always recommend that brands follow a designer’s advice.
The end result should never be about what the creator or client thinks looks good personally. The end result should be what looks best to attract the targeted audience, as well as provide longevity for the brand. Ensure everything you create is ‘Fit for purpose’.
Looking to start a new design project? – just pop in for a meeting and you’ll see the value we can add to your brand! If you want to know more, contact hello@wearejam.agency or call the office on 0161 850 0565.
